The number is obviously much bigger worldwide, a pollution reality in part driving China and India’s rapid move to clean, advanced energy.

Sadly, the new U.S. administration flunks a huge character-test, by focussing only on coal jobs while never acknowledging other factors like, you know, the premature deaths of innocent citizens living downwind or working in the industry, or how it impoverishes their heirs.

Classic Trumpian diversionary tactic, to keep the electorate from openly discussing coal’s real costs, including not only its vast medical bill, but also the unnecessary sadness of a family member dying young.

As if to rub it in, the article points out: “There are now about 260,000 solar jobs in the U.S., compared to just 51,000 in coal mining.” And solar jobs are growing, while the fracking revolution has so starkly lowered natural gas prices that coal continues to gradually go out of business… The market has already spoken: Coal is no longer the fuel of choice for large electricity-generating power plants, having been replaced with cheaper natural gas, as well as new generations of solar farms or wind farms producing cheaper kilowatts.

3) To save the planet, USE YOUR VOICE and take advocacy seriously! Never miss a vote and never, ever stop influencing your government and all businesses locally, at the state level, and at the national level.

And in all cases and at all times, cast aside the learned-helplessness that infects so much of modern life… the time is now for climate change solutions. No one else is going to do your part for you… never give up.